The French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne was acknowledged for bridging the gap between 19th century Impressionism and 20th century Cubism. He painted a series of oil paintings tilted ‘The Card Players’ in 1894-95 of which this is the best recognised and also the smallest painting at 17 3/4 inches x 22 1/2 inches.

It is described by art critics as the most epic as well as the most refined of all the versions with the shapes being simpler but more varied. This canvas is sparsely painted and by and large considered as the last painting of the series. Cézanne adopted an image from the 17th century Dutch and French genre paintings depicting card games, however, his treatment was utterly revolutionary and it has been described as ‘human still life’. It is presently exhibited at Musée d’Orsay, Paris.— M.I.